Structural Microstructural and Electrical Transport Studies of Ba(Fe0.25Eu0.25Nb0.5)O3

The complex multifunctional ceramic Ba(Fe0.25Eu0.25Nb0.5)O3 (BFEN) has been synthesized. The structural studies show two iso-structured phases related with BFN and BEN co-exists in the compound. The high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss of the compound below 575 K promises industrial applications. The activation energies obtained from the Arrhenius analysis of dc conductivity supports possible ferroelectric transition at elevated temperatures. Thus the desirable properties of two different compounds viz. multiferroic properties of BFN and high quality factor of BEN are successfully incorporated in a single compound. When you are citing the document, use the following link http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/3101

Comparison of efficacy and safety of thiocolchicoside and pregabalin in the treatment of acute non-specific low back pain: an open label randomized prospective study

Background: The present study was undertaken to study the efficacy and safety of thiocolchicoside, a centrally acting skeletal muscle relaxant, GABA mimetic drug and pregabalin, an anti-epileptic, GABA mimetic drug in the treatment of acute non-specific low back pain.Methods: The study was carried out at the orthopaedic outpatient department of our hospital. 80 patients were included during the study period of two months. Out of the 80, 40 were given pregabalin 75 mg 1hs and the rest were given thiocolchicoside 8 mg bd by the prescribing doctor. Patients, aged between 18-60 years having non-radiating low back pain for less than 7 days were selected. The data was collected in a proforma which included the patient’s details and the prescribed drugs. The patients were also given notepads to record adverse effects. On day 1, the pain was measured on visual analogue scale. After a week, follow up was done and decrease in pain was measured on the visual analogue scale.Results: There was significant difference between pre and post visual analogue scale score in both the groups with a p-value of less than 0.0001. But the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (p-value 0.0664). In both the groups, patients did not report any adverse effects. Pregabalin has a slower onset than thiocolchicoside however has better efficacy. In India, where the drug abuse risk is higher, pregabalin is a safer choice as skeletal muscle relaxants (thiocolchicoside) should not be given for more than a week.Conclusions: Pregabalin has better efficacy in treatment of acute non-specific low back pain as compared to thiocolchicoside

Study of potential drug-drug interactions between benzodiazepines and four commonly used antiepileptic drugs in mice

Background: Benzodiazepines (BZD) is one of the commonly used drug groups for certain neurological diseases. As sometimes, the anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) may be used concomitantly with BZD there is a potential for drug-drug interactions. Study aimed to study potential drug-drug interactions between four commonly used AEDs (phenytoin, carbamazepine (CBZ), phenobarbitone, sodium valproate) and BZD (diazepam, clonazepam) in mice using maximal electroshock seizure (MES) method and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) method.Methods: Adult male albino mice were divided into four different groups of six animals each and anti-epileptic activity was assessed using MES method and PTZ method. Group I acted as a control, Group II received any one of the four AEDs (phenytoin, CBZ, phenobarbitone or sodium valproate) in sub-effective doses, Group III received diazepam or clonazepam alone, Group IV received a combination of diazepam or clonazepam with any one of the AEDs.Results: In MES method, the groups receiving combination of diazepam with phenytoin and CBZ showed significant protection compared to the control group (p<0.01 and p<0.02), respectively. However, diazepam in combination with sodium valproate and phenobarbitone did not show any significant protection compared to the control group and individual antiepileptic group. All the four antiepileptic showed significant protection against MES seizure in combination with clonazepam when compared to control group. In PTZ method, combination of sodium valproate with clonazepam showed significant protection compared to control group (p<0.02). However, this was not observed with diazepam-valproate combination.Conclusion: Clonazepam potentiates the action of all the four anti-epileptics while diazepam potentiates only phenytoin and CBZ against MES seizures. Clonazepam but not diazepam potentiates the action of sodium valproate against PTZ seizures

Sporadic ovarian sex cord-stromal tumor with annular tubules: a rare case report

Ovarian sex cord stromal tumor with annular tubules (SCTAT) is a distinctive, rare subtype of sex cord stromal tumor of the ovary, predominant component of which has morphological features intermediate between that of granulosa cell and sertoli cell. The majority of ovarian SCTAT are benign. So far, malignant behavior in SCTAT has been reported only in sporadic cases. We have presented a case of SCTAT in a 40 year old lady with no association of Peutz-Jegher (P-J) syndrome. The patient’s chief complaints were post-menopausal bleeding for 1 year on and off along with menorrhagia. MRI abdomen was suggestive of intensely enhancing solid tissue mass lesion in the right  adnexa, features suggestive of ovarian mass. Panhysterectomy was done. Grossly uterus and left adnexa appeared to be normal. Right ovary showed mass measuring 17x11x9cm3 in size, on cut section, solid, homogenous lobulated, yellowish areas identified. Microscopic and Immunohistochemistry findings confirmed the diagnosis of sex cord stromal tumor with annular tubules of granulosa cell type. PAS stain supported the diagnosis

Evaluation of differences in health-related quality of life in patients receiving conventional versus newer anti-epileptic drugs

Background: Epilepsy is associated with stigma and bad health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) due to this, and side effects of the drug therapy. Newer anti-epileptics are claimed to be better than the conventional. We evaluated this based on comparison of HR-QOL in patients taking the respective therapy.Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, single point study involved 127 consenting patients from Neurology OPD at V.S. General Hospital. Quality of life in epilepsy-10 (QOLIE-10) questionnaire was used to measure HR-QOL in patients. SPSS software and Graphpad prism were used to analyze the variables.Results: Patients of 20-30 age group were commonly affected (37.80%) with a male predominance (56.69%). 41.73% were unemployed. The difference in HR-QOL between patients and controls in all three domains (epilepsy effects, mental effects, role function domains) of QOLIE-10 was significant (p=0.0002), indicating better HR-QOL in controls. The worst HR-QOL scores were found in Epilepsy effects domain. Metabolic adverse effects (38.58%) were the common ADRs. Sodium valproate was the most effective in controlling seizures (last seizure episode: 15 months). HR-QOL correlation between patients receiving monotherapy and polytherapy was significant (p=0.026) with monotherapy rendering a better HR-QOL. Comparison of HR-QOL between patients taking the conventional and the newer drugs was not significant (p=0.1768).Conclusions: Our study nullifies the claims that newer drugs are better than the conventional since no such benefit was seen in HR-QOL as well as ADRs. Our findings ruled out the belief that cases of epilepsy are better controlled with polytherapy

A prospective survey study on premenstrual syndrome in young and middle aged women with an emphasis on its management

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is defined as the recurrence of psychological and physical symptoms in the luteal phase, which remit in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of which fall in three domains: emotional, physical and behavioural e.g. irritability, anger, headache, fatigue, food cravings etc. The survey study of was conducted among 50 young & 50 middle aged women of S.B.K.S Medical Institute and Research Centre to find the prevalence of premenstrual syndrome with an emphasis on its management. Responses to a feedback questionnaire covering various aspects related PMS were obtained from 50 participants belonging to each group. The participants belonged to different range of literacy. It was found that 42% faced PMS regularly, while 58% occasionally. Of the 100 participants 68% suffered with backache, 64% leg cramps, 62% fatigue, breast tenderness and anger whereas 58% suffered with anxiety and generalized body ache. Of all the sufferers only 34% had received the treatment for PMS. Irrespective of the age PMS is common problem faced by women. With our study we observed that literacy has not mattered in the management of this health problem. Since there are reports stating that the severity of PMS can hamper the daily routine and even lead to suicidal tendency, it is essential that awareness programs need to be conducted to address the importance of managing the issue by pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods

Evaluation of management in acute coronary syndrome and extent of adherence to standard treatment guidelines

Background: India has the highest burden of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in the world. This research is to evaluate prescriptions pattern and extent of adherence to American College of Cardiology (ACC)\American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines in the management of ACS with patient outcome.Methods: Case record form containing patient’s demographic, clinical profile, diagnosis, prescription drugs (with dose, duration and frequency) were noted. Pharmacotherapy was compared to ACC/AHA guidelines, to evaluate adherence, guideline adherence index (GAI-5) was used for 5 major drug groups for ACS. GAI was calculated as: number of patients using the prescribed medications/number of eligible patients multiplied by 100.Results: A total of 172 patients diagnosed with ACS. 64 (37.20%) Patients with the highest preponderance to ACS belonged to 51-60 years age group with a 4.73:1 male to female ratio. ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (44.77%) was the most common diagnosis and an average of 14.66±4.34 drugs were prescribed. Majority of the patients opted for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with or without having received fibrinolytic therapy at onset. Adherence to the ACC/AHA guidelines being 93.75% and 118 prescriptions being 100% adherent to the guidelines. A positive correlation between adherence and number of drugs was statistically significant.Conclusions: The success of evidence-based medicine (EBM) was well noted with a 0% in hospital mortality rate i.e. all of the 172 patients were discharged with therapeutic success. Despite the concept of EBM and its proven effectiveness, there is a paucity of availability of such guidelines in India, so this study, a first of its kind can serve as a starting point of generating national as well as local guidelines

Routine versus early nasogastric decompression in gastrointestinal surgeries: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Traditionally nasogastric decompression is carried out in post operatively in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. The purpose of the study is to assess the benefits of nasogastric decompression in the early postoperative period as compared to routine nasogastric decompression in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgeries. Objectives: To assess the benefits of nasogastric decompression in the early postoperative period as compared to routine nasogastric decompression in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgeries, to assess the complications associated with nasogastric tube insertion, and to assess the effect of early nasogastric tube removal on the patients’ postoperative morbidity and comfort level.Methods: This was a randomized control trial done in the Shree Sayajirao General Hospital, Vadodara.  According to patient flow and previous study details the estimated sample size was 300 patients. Patient allotment was 150 patients in each group. Patients admitted on odd dates will be followed for routine nasogastric decompression, and patients admitted on even dates will be followed for early nasogastric decompression. Inclusion criteria for the study include laparotomies performed by any abdominal incisions on emergency as well as elective bases. Variables to be studied were patient comfort (according to patient’s opinion), vomiting (episodes, type, amount, content, on which post-operative day), abdominal distension, appearance of normal bowel sounds, passage of flatus and/or stools (according to patient’s history), incidence of aspiration pneumonia and total duration of the hospital stay with wound complications. Data will be processed and analyzed by chi square test and t-test.Results: In the study total 300 patients were included. No significant difference between both the groups in case of postoperative vomiting with p- value of 0.6028 (i.e. p > 0.05) and abdominal distension with p- value of 0.5183 (i.e. p > 0.05). Significant difference seen in the appearance of the bowel sound in post-operative period with p- value of 0.0002 (i.e. p < 0.05) and passage of flatus or stool with p-value of <0.0001. In case of early decompression group mean postoperative day for the suture removal was 11.9 days and for routine decompression group it was 12.3 days, the difference was statistically significant with p- value of 0.0006 (i.e. p < 0.05). The mean for the total hospital stay for early decompressed group was 10.04 days and for routine decompression group it was 10.47 days which was highly statically significant with p- value of 0.0001 (i.e. p < 0.05). Post-operative wound complication which was statically significance with p-value of 0.0394 (i.e. p < 0.05) and respiratory complications was also significant with p-value of 0.0367 (i.e. p < 0.05). In case of early decompression post-operative nausea, vomiting and abdominal distention were higher but not significant statistically.Conclusions: Early removal of Ryle’s tube leads to less incidence of respiratory complications and wound complications ultimately early suture removal and less hospital stay. Early removal of Ryle’s tube leads to early resolution of postoperative paralytic ileus indicated by early appearance of bowel sounds and early passage of flatus and stool.

Drug utilization pattern and analysis of quality of life in Indian patients of Parkinson’s disease

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a highly debilitating disease characterized by tremors, bradykinesia and rigidity. It leads to lowered self-esteem and psychological consequences which affect quality of life. The aim of this study is to study the drug utilization pattern and assess the quality of life in patients of Parkinson’s Disease.Methods: 40 patients of PD at least 1 month duration and 20 age-based controls were analyzed for quality of life using Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39). Drug prescriptions were analyzed.Results: Mean number of anti-Parkinson drugs prescribed is 2.65±1.21. Of 106 anti-Parkinson drugs prescribed, 45% were levodopa and carbidopa combinations, followed by dopamine agonists (18%), anticholinergic drugs (15%), amantadine (12%), MAO inhibitors (5%) and COMT inhibitors (5%). There were significant problems in speech, performance of daily chores and daytime somnolence (p<0.0001). Depression, isolation, cognitive decline and memory loss were noteworthy in the patients as compared to controls (p<0.05). 25% patients felt embarrassed due to their disease; 59% felt affected by others’ opinion, 60% felt difficulty in communicating with others (p<0.05). Almost 2/3rd patients needed help in personal care as compared to the control group (p<0.0001).Conclusions: Quality of life of parkinsonian patients is severely affected in spite of them receiving a large number of drugs. This may be both due to disease progression as well as medication. Levodopa-carbidopa combination is the most prescribed medication. Use of levodopa and carbidopa combination must be evaluated properly. Newer guidelines and interventions are the need of the hour which may provide a better outcome on the quality of life of parkinsonian patients

Amlodipine drug therapeutic failure: a rare case report

Drug Therapeutic failure is a rare condition which is underreported in recent scenario. It is important for the chronic diseases like Hypertension where it could lead to fatal outcome. In our case report elderly male patient taking tablet Amlodipine once daily as antihypertensive medication and had 2 years without any events. Patient came to the emergency department with the complaint of altered sensorium and elevated blood pressure. The mechanism for sudden increase in blood pressure (Decreased Therapeutic Response) in patient with ongoing treatment with amlodipine could be due to sympathetic over activity (e.g. stress), pharmacokinetic variation or counterfeit drug